Another Lesson from Einstein
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
I was surprised to find that Albert Einstein wasn’t always a respected physicist. He worked as a patent clerk because the academic community considered him “a failure as a graduate student in physics.” Yet, what was considered a failed attempt at an intellectual life, Einstein transformed into an opportunity. A patent clerks’ life, at least during those years, was not demanding. He had hours each day available to study and considerable private time to contemplate his studies.
According to the book, Lost in Thought by Zena Hitz, “He [Einstein] called the patent office ‘that worldly cloister where I hatched my most beautiful ideas.’” Einstein took disappointment and found a way to transform the situation into something beneficial. Einstein had the time to create without the challenges of university politics or the demands of administration and students. He didn’t have to justify his study. Instead, he studied, learned, and created for the love of learning.
Hitz continues, “Einstein contrasted the ‘coercion’ of academic life with the freedom that nurtures natural curiosity.” We do not always need the affirmation of academia to learn and grow. By studying and learning, we will naturally seek meaning, “just as a plant strains upward.” You can seek spiritual reading with academic integrity and discover for yourself. Then, like Einstein, not stay in the cloister, but share your findings with others. Together, you can share your thoughts and learn from each other. Sharing your faith study with other followers is one of the benefits of a church—people of faith, learning, sharing, and teaching each other.
Today, commit to seeking a book worthy of your time. Your pastor is a good people approach regarding book recommendations on different subjects of faith. Then, carve out time for study. At various times in life, time is more available than at other times. If you have children, a demanding job, etc., time may seem elusive. But, even ten or fifteen minutes at the end of a day can make a meaningful difference. As you start your reading, pray for illumination. When you’ve completed your day’s reading, pray for further illumination. The Holy Spirit will add wisdom to the knowledge you glean.